§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects the computer system necessary for the pensioners' free TV licence scheme to be in place; upon what date he expects that the scheme will commence; when he expects to publish details of the scheme, with particular reference to terms for refunds for those reaching the age of 75 years within the duration of a licence; and if he will make a statement. [107181]
§ Janet Anderson[holding answer 27 January 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his pre-Budget statement on 9 November 1999, Official Report, columns 883–91, that people aged 75 or over will receive their television licence free of charge from this autumn. The Government intend to announce shortly the precise starting date and details of how the scheme will operate.